In recent days, rumors about the new Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones have started to make more noise than usual and that is always a good sign. It turns out that a recent leak from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has provided preliminary details that suggest that this model could be launched sooner rather than later and, although we still do not have official confirmation from Sony, we can already begin to outline some details that give us a glimpse of what this long-awaited new generation will be like.
Design and technology details
One of the Most striking aspects of this leak is the introduction of changes in the design of the headphones, such as removable ear cups, which could offer greater customization to users. These removable ear cups would undoubtedly be something innovative in Sony's line of high-end headphones, allowing not only to modify the aesthetics of the device, but also to optimize the comfort and maintenance of the parts most exposed to daily wear.
There is also mention of an internal improvement that would significantly increase the signal gain, going from 1.6 dBi in the previous model to 2.91 dBi in this new model, and that the Bluetooth is 5.3 As for the function of active noise cancellation, specific improvements in this section have not yet been confirmed, although the WH-1000XM6 are expected to continue to offer exceptional performance in noisy environments, such as offices or public transport, given the good track record that this range has in that regard - in fact, it is what characterizes it most.
According to shared information, the Sony WH-1000XM6 would also include a 30 mm driver, the same size used in its predecessor, the model WH-1000XM5 -image above these lines. It is also expected that you use the same chip developed by Mediatek, which suggests that there would be no significant changes to the processing core of the device. However, the fact that this model is listed in the aforementioned documents as a “prototype” indicates that adjustments could still be made before its final launch.
Another important detail is that the confidentiality clause of the documents leaked by the FCC ends on July 22, 2025This could mean that more specific details about this model won't be revealed until then, although Sony could surprise with an early announcement in the coming months, as it did previously with the XM4 and XM5 models.
Possible release dates for the WH-1000XM6
While no official release date has been announced, past trends suggest Sony will announce this new offering in the spring or early summer—the XM5s were announced in May 2022, remember. While FCC confidentiality projects a July deadline, the launch is expected to be closer to the date, especially considering the attention this model is already generating.
Will the Sony WH-1000XM6 become the new standard again? New standard for high-end headphones? We have been a long time full of interesting launches in this segment and the market, which was "more comfortable" some time ago, is now much more competitive with Apple, Dyson and other manufacturers proposing devices that fight (very deservedly) to be leaders.
At the moment we only have rumors, but we have no doubt that leaks will become more frequent from now on. Anyone want to place their bets?